February '09 Notes from Norm — Norm Clarke Column

Saturday 02-07-09

Actors rehearse for their wedding

Sarah Shahi, whose acting career got a huge boost when she appeared in a steamy cameo with Tony Soprano, is getting married in Las Vegas today.

With an assist of an Elvis impersonator, she's tying the knot with fellow actor Steve Howey at an undisclosed chapel. The rehearsal dinner was held at Tony n' Tina's Wedding at Planet Hollywood Resort on Friday.

Shahi, the only first-year member of the Dallas Cowboys cheerleading team featured on the cover of the cheerleaders calendar, stars in "Life" as sexy detective Dani Rees. In "The Sopranos," she played a stripper who spent a peyote-fueled weekend with Soprano (James Gandolfini). Shahi and Howey recently confirmed she is several months pregnant. Howey starred as Van Montgomery in "Reba" and opposite Kate Hudson and Anne Hathaway in "Bride Wars."

LENO SUPPORTER

Local car enthusiast Danny Barnett e-mailed me to say he had a far different experience with talk-show host Jay Leno than the grumpier version cited here last Sunday by Ed Bernstein.

Barnett said he met Leno at Auto Aero Books in Burbank, Calif., the day after Thanksgiving 2007.

"He was very friendly and gracious, especially after learning that I own a 1966 Tatra 603 car from Czechoslovakia. He too owns a Tatra, a 1948 model 87."

Leno chatted with Barnett for 10 minutes, signed an autograph for Barnett's brother and "cheerfully" posed for photos with them.

Last April, Barnett sent Leno a birthday card that featured a photo of a Tatra 87.

A few days later, Barnett's cell phone rang and it was the NBC star, who called to thank him.

A couple of weeks later, Leno called again, this time with an invitation to be his guest at "The Tonight Show."

"I still haven't taken him up on the offer, but I will," said Barnett.

The Scene And Heard

Paul McCartney has been added to Hard Rock Hotel's opening weekend of the new 4,000-capacity theater on April 19. The Killers will open the weekend celebration two nights before McCartney's Sunday concert.

McCartney tickets go on sale at noon Feb. 14 at the Hard Rock and Ticketmaster outlets. Prices have not been announced.

Steve and Elaine Wynn were absent from the premier of the Danny Gans show Friday at Encore. Both were out of town, Vegas Confidential has learned. Elaine's absence from the benefit concert is noteworthy in that the two charity groups are her pet projects: the Greater Las Vegas After-School All-Stars and Communities in Schools of Southern Nevada. The Wynns, who have reportedly split, were together earlier this week at one of Gans' preview shows. Steve Wynn has made no secret, to his friends, that he is romantically involved with a British woman.

Local salon operator Michael Boychuck is included in the "50 Hairstylists" book, which features the industry's elite. He operates Amp at the Palms and Color at Caesars Palace. ...

Venetian headliner Wayne Brady is co-hosting with Tia Carrere the non-televised parts of the Grammys on Sunday. He is nominated for a Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance for his remake of Sam Cooke's "A Changse Is Gonna Come." The song became popular during the election season, with both Brady and Seal recording Barack Obama-inspired versions.

Media update: KVVU-TV, Channel 5 news anchor Dave Hall has signed on to continue in the 5-7 a.m. slot. ... Lotus Broadcasting says last week's layoffs numbered four, not eight, as stated here.

Sightings

At Society Cafe (Encore) on Friday: Baseball Hall of Fame shortstop Ozzie Smith, having breakfast and TV talk show host Bonnie Hunt, having an early dinner with friends before attending Gans' opening night. ...

Frankie Valli, in town to introduce the Las Vegas cast of "Jersey Boys" to the upcoming Australian "Jersey Boys" company. The Las Vegas cast acknowledged Valli from the stage at the curtain call on Tuesday. ...

Nikki Sixx and his girlfriend/tattoo artist and star of "LA Ink" Kat Von D, celebrating the launch of her new book "High Voltage Tattoo" at Tao Las Vegas (Venetian) Thursday. With them: her friend, My Space sensation and transgender make-up artist Jeffree Star. ...

Tommy Lee of Mötley Crüe, dining with friends at Simon at Palms Place on Thursday. ...

At Ne-Yo's concert at The Pearl (Palms) on Thursday: music producer Jermaine Dupri and boxer Zab Judah.

Luxor headliner Criss Angel and Holly Madison, taking in a full day of magic and entertainment on Thursday. They attended Dirk Arthur "Extreme Magic" (Tropicana), Scarlett - Princess of Magic (V Theater at Planet Hollywood Resort) and David Copperfield (MGM Grand).

Sunday 02-08-09

Donny hoping to be asked to dance

Donny Osmond was on the telephone, hoping to clear up some confusion about the "Dancing With the Stars" story that caused him some grief.

"I probably said too much," he said.

He had gone on radio and TV shows, hinting strongly that he was going to take the leap and follow in the footsteps of his sister, Marie.

Chalk it up to a case of dance fever. He wanted on the ABC show. But when his comments started making headlines, he had to acknowledge that he was still waiting for an invitation from the producer.

"You've got to be so careful how you say things," Osmond said.

If the offer comes for the fall season, he'll jump at it, he said.

It would be a killer schedule, with his commitment to five performances a week in the Donny & Marie Show at the Flamingo, but he's figured out how to juggle his schedule to do it.

"If this happens, make sure they bury me in Utah, because it's going to kill me," he said.

BIG NIGHT FOR GANS FANS

When Danny Gans and Steve Wynn sat down to go over the song list, the boss brought up "The Boss."

Gans wanted to update. Wynn wanted to stick with a winning formula.

"Steve said, 'It's like a Bruce Springsteen concert: He's not going to sing all of his new stuff. People come to hear the greatest hits.'"

Both got their way, and judging from the response, the audience came out the big winner. Which explains why Gans' opening-night show at Wynn's new Encore hotel lasted a rare two hours.

"When Steve got done with his list, it came to 90 minutes. I decided to go ahead and add my new songs, too, and we'll sort it out later."

Other changes Gans' fans will discover in the vocal impressionist's roomier new home: production add-ons and lighting improvements.

What hasn't changed is that it's still one of the best feel-good shows to hit this town.

In what was probably a first for Steve and Elaine Wynn since getting in the resort business decades ago, they missed the opening night because of their rumored split.

The Scene And Heard

There are rumblings in the local club industry that as many as a half-dozen jail sentences could be handed out as a result of the year-old IRS investigation into Pure nightclub. If that's the case, it suggests the government is close to going public with its findings. Meantime, look for Pure Management Group's empire to contract instead of expand. ...

Speaking of raids, the Las Vegas police vice squad paid a visit to Club Paradise on Friday and ticketed seven girls and a manager for what police considered "dirty dancing."

Sightings

At the VIP party at Blush (Wynn) after Gans' benefit performance/opening night at Encore on Friday: Harrah's headliner Rita Rudner, Excalibur headliner Louie Anderson and syndicated talk-show host Bonnie Hunt. Gans was presented with a 14-pound chocolate cake prepared by Society Cafe that was accompanied by staffers waving sparklers. Also spotted at the club: actor Zach Lively from the TV show "Greek."... At XS (Encore): Ray Romano and Brad Garrett of "Everybody Loves Raymond," at a VIP table. ... Actors Sarah Shahi and Steve Howey, getting hitched at A Elvis Chapel, 727 S. Ninth St., on Saturday. They went for the "Elvis Unplugged and Plugged" package, which included Elvis sunglasses and a one-hour concert with The King on a guitar. They held their wedding dinner at Strip House (Planet Hollywood Resort). The rehearsal dinner Friday was at "Tony n' Tina's Wedding." Also there was Joe Gannascoli, who appeared in "The Sopranos." ... Newly named Oakland Raiders head coach Tom Cable, spotted at PT's Pub, 10940 S. Eastern Ave. in Henderson. ... Steve Miller of the Steve Miller Band, joining Donny Osmond on stage for a duet of "Joker" during the Donny & Marie Show on Saturday at the Flamingo. ... At N9NE Steakhouse (Palms) on Friday: UNLV coaching legend Jerry Tarkanian and Andre Agassi and Steffi Graf. ... Robert Geathers of the Cincinnati Bengals, with friends at the nightclub at Lavo (Palazzo) on Friday. ... Usher, dining at Nove Italiano (Palms) on Friday. ... Recording artist Ryan Leslie, giving an impromptu performance at Poetry (Forum Shops at Caesars) on Friday. Also there: members of Oakland Raiders Raiderettes, flirting with Lorenzo Booker, Philadelphia Eagles running back. Earlier, Booker attended "Criss Angel: Believe" at the Luxor.


Monday 02-09-09

Comedian lands one last Grammy Comedy legend George Carlin's final project earned him a posthumous Grammy on Sunday for best comedy album. It was the fifth Grammy for the longtime Las Vegas headliner, who died of heart failure at age 71 on June 22. His daughter, Kelly, accepted the award and promised she would take better care of the statuette than her father, a counterculture icon, did after receiving his first one in 1972. She told the audience that "during a chemically-induced altered state, he took it apart." The Recording Academy had to send him a replacement. The album, titled "It's Bad For Ya," was released a month after he died. His last special aired in March. Also nominated was Lewis Black, Kathy Griffin and the New Zealand comedy duo Flight of the Conchords. JOINT JAW DROPPERS Two evenings stick out among my most memorable at The Joint, the Hard Rock Hotel's legendary music venue, which closed Saturday with a Mötley Crüe performance. One was a holy-moly moment: I'm sure I'm not the first person smitten at first sight when Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas took over the stage. The other ... Well, it is one for those who often have wondered: Has anything remotely embarrassed Paris Hilton? At a September 2005 "Beacher's Madhouse" show, the showstopper was gender bender Leonid the Magnificent, a tall, flamboyant Russian who wore boas, feathery wings and what appeared to be the tail of an ermine dangling from his waist. On this night, he had bigger fish to fry than balancing a sword point on his forehead. He rushed into the crowd, scooped up Hilton and brought her on the stage. After Hilton spanked Leonid's bare cheeks, he propped her up on her hands and knees -- think show pony -- and climbed on, slowly flattening the elegantly dressed heiress. With Hilton pinned facedown on the stage floor, Leonid stretched out on her back, and, in a final "OMG" moment, added a hump or two for good measure. The horseplay ended with Hilton frantically using both hands to keep her dress from falling down as she stood up. "My fiancé is going to kill me for that," she said, making a hasty exit for her seat in front of a roaring crowd. Completing the evening was a humbling moment for Hollywood wild child Tara Reid. When host Jeff Beacher began introducing celebrities in the crowd, Reid was at the ready when he announced, "We have two very special ladies in the audience with us tonight." As Reid stood up, Beacher bellowed, "Paris and Nicky Hilton!" Later, as she headed for the exit, a wobbly and overwrought Reid was overheard saying, "I should have been onstage. I'm bigger than Paris Hilton." The Scene And Heard Recording artist Usher has canceled out of his hosting duties tonight at Privé nightclub, in Planet Hollywood Resort, because of a family emergency in Brazil. His wife, Tameka, has suffered a serious injury from complications from plastic surgery, according to "Access Hollywood." She had their second child in December. He has been recording a new album at the Palms studios. ... Media update: Local publicist Ryan Brooks has been named director of public relations for Fontainebleau Las Vegas. He starts today. ... Correction: Dave Hall is a morning news anchor at KVVU-TV, Channel 5. Sightings Ryan Seacrest, putting Grammy winner Ne-Yo on the spot during a red carpet interview Sunday night in Los Angeles. Seacrest asked Ne-Yo and his date whether they were "an item." Ne-Yo, who had been the epitome of poise and cool up to that point in pre-Grammy interviews, suddenly seemed flustered. "Something like that," he said. ... "American Idol" and "Gone Country" contestant Mikalah Gordon on Saturday celebrated her 21st birthday at Tabú, in the MGM Grand. Gordon sang "Killing Me Softly," a hit for Roberta Flack in the early 1970s and for The Fugees in the mid-1990s, followed by Bon Jovi's "You Give Love a Bad Name." The celebration included the presentation of a chocolate cake by the staff.

Tuesday 02-10-09

Norm took the day off

Wednesday 02-11-09

They're calling it a day at 'La Cage'

After 23½ years, the end of the line for "An Evening at La Cage" came with the suddenness of a stiletto heel snapping in half.

Long-time producer Norbert Aleman, a no-nonsense Frenchman, asked the cast to gather after Monday's show in the main dressing room of their Riviera theater.

"The good news," began a somber Aleman, "is we're all having a party down at Christopher's (lounge). The bad news is this is the last performance of 'La Cage.'"

The news hit Ryan Zink the hardest. Zink, who portrays country star Reba McEntire and socialite Paris Hilton, broke into tears.

Anxiety had been building for some time.

"We were all kind of holding our breaths," said Jimmy Emerson, who has been headliner Frank Marino's understudy for almost 20 years. "We kind of were suspicious because Frank was already taking gowns home. Not a good sign."

Everyone went to the party -- except Emerson.

"I'm famous for having a big mouth," he explained, and he wasn't happy. "A little notice would have been nice."

"Crystal" Woods, one of the show's original members, along with Marino, had a hunch the end was near, given the dour economic developments along the Strip.

"But you're never prepared (to hear it)," he said.

Woods, who has made a living since 1982 impersonating Diana Ross, might be in a better position than most of his castmates.

He's been called back to two auditions for NBC's "America's Got Talent." Out of thousands, he was among 25 selected after two auditions.

If he gets the call, he'll sing "I'm Coming Out."

"I'm saving 'Ain't No Mountain High Enough.' I'm going to keep the faith."

SWIMSUIT STARS

Bar Rafaeli, unveiled Tuesday as the cover girl of Sports Illustrated's 2009 swimsuit edition, will be among nearly 20 of this year's crop flying to Las Vegas on Thursday for "SI Swimsuit 24/7, From New York to Las Vegas."

The Israeli beauty is actor Leonardo DiCaprio's girlfriend.

The S.I. stunners will walk the red carpet at 9 p.m. outside Luxor's LAX nightclub before joining the party in their honor. They will make appearances throughout Las Vegas.

The promotion is being presented by the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority and Southwest Airlines, which is providing "SI One," a Boeing 737-700 wrapped in SI swimsuit imagery.

The Scene And Heard

Joe Gannascoli of "The Sopranos" has a two-week cameo contract with "Tony n' Tina's Wedding," which opened last week at Planet Hollywood Resort. The next celebrity in the rotation is "Rowdy" Roddy Piper, the pro wrestling star, who will appear Feb. 20 to March 5.

Marie Osmond is signing her Bridal, Valentine and Sweet Tots Collections in the Flamingo Promenade Gift Shop from 2-5 p.m. Friday. Only her dolls will be signed, and they must be purchased at the Flamingo on Friday.

Sightings

At Piero's Italian Cuisine on Monday: Mayor Oscar Goodman and his wife, Carolyn, with footwear and clothing designer Kenneth Cole, People magazine's "Sexiest Businessman of the Year" in 1998, and his wife, Maria Cuomo Cole, daughter of former New York Gov. Mario Cuomo. ... Las Vegan Steven Jackson, the St. Louis Rams star running back, having lunch at The Country Club (Wynn) on Tuesday.

Thursday 02-12-09

Singer Brown reportedly in LV

Singer Chris Brown, who is being investigated in connection with allegations of domestic violence involving his pop star girlfriend, Rihanna, has been taking refuge in Las Vegas, according to an entertainment news show.

Brown, 19, was staying at the Hard Rock Hotel, E! News reported Wednesday.

Hard Rock publicist Laura Cleary said she could not confirm that Brown is staying at the hotel, but she acknowledged that Brown's friends "are on property."

Brown, who was scheduled, as was Rihanna, to perform Sunday at the Grammys in Los Angeles, surrendered to Los Angeles police that night. He was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats and is under investigation for domestic violence charges.

The incident is alleged to have occurred in Brown's Lamborghini.

WHAT RECESSION?

Unbeaten boxer Floyd Mayweather might be retired, but he continues to be a one-man stimulus package.

About 3 a.m. Wednesday, cab traffic at Spearmint Rhino, one of our town's most popular gentlemen's clubs, came to a halt to allow a VIP arrival.

A Rolls-Royce pulled up, followed by a full white Mercedes carrying Mayweather's wingmen.

That's how he rolls.

The doorman had some advice for my Eye Spy.

"Get within 15 feet of him. He gives $100 bills to anyone within 15 feet of him," said the doorman, flashing a crisp Benjamin out of his pocket to prove his point.

Hey, Mayweather might be unemployed, in a manner of speaking, but he's doing his part for the economic recovery -- one strip club at a time.

The Scene And Heard

Sports Illustrated swimsuit models Lucia Dvorska, Irina Shayk, Jarah Mariano and Julie Henderson will sign autographs from 3-5 p.m. today at The Art of Music at The Mirage. Australian model Jessica Hart is staying over for a few days to host at Lavo in The Palazzo on Saturday...

Kai Kalama, one of the 36 "American Idol" finalists unveiled Wednesday, is the son of Ron Kalama, who heads The Venetian's gondolier program for Best Agency. The son lives in Orange County. ...

Michael Phelps bailed out of a scheduled speaking appearance at the IBM Pulse conference at the MGM Grand on Tuesday. His withdrawal came after USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming in the United States, suspended Phelps from competition for three months and Kellogg's backed away from an endorsement deal. Attendees received an IBM promotion inviting them to come "be inspired by special guest speaker, Olympic champion Michael Phelps." ...

Las Vegas Hilton headliner Barry Manilow told New York's Newsday that he relishes using his celebrity to help others, including signing on for a "Stand Up for a Cure" benefit concert on Long Island on Valentine's Day. "It's a blown-up version of the Vegas show," Manilow said of the performance he will give Saturday. "When we do arena shows, there's no time limit, so I can throw a couple more songs in here and there until the audience gets tired, so that's always fun." Manilow also told the newspaper he might have another album out as early as the fall.

Friday 02-13-09

S.I.'s sexy cover girl flying high

Bar Refaeli flew into Las Vegas on a Southwest Airlines jet adorned with her swimsuit-clad image from the plane's door to the tail.

We know what you're thinking.

So where did the sexy cover girl of Sports Illustrated's 2009 swimsuit issue sit?

"I think I was looking out the eyes," the Israeli-born beauty said during a telephone interview Thursday minutes before her red carpet appearance outside Luxor's LAX nightclub with 18 fellow models from the S.I. issue.

It was the first time the magazine, founded in 1963, brought the models to Las Vegas on a promotional mission, a collaboration by the Las Vegas Convention & Visitors Bureau, Las Vegas Events and Southwest.

Refaeli spent most of Thursday lounging in bed after a 2 a.m. arrival from New York.

After more than 100 interviews over 72 hours, resting won out over seeing the bright lights of Las Vegas.

She went out long enough to have a hamburger at BOA Steakhouse at the Forum Shops at Caesars.

The first time she was here, Refaeli recalled, she wasn't 21 yet.

I asked if she recalled that she was at Jet, the Mirage hot spot, during that visit.

"I don't remember the nightclub," she said. Only that she was "with some friends," one of whom was Leonardo DiCaprio, although she didn't mention his name. They are still a couple.

Her favorite interview so far?

"David Letterman," she said. "He's smart and witty. You have to punch back in an intelligent way."

Refaeli would love to host "Saturday Night Live."

"I fell in love with that show. It's just so funny.

"I like the woman who always says, 'Just kidding. Just kidding,'" she said, referring to the babbling, one-upping character Penelope, played by Kristen Wiig.

May I recommend

"Tony N' Tina's Wedding" is the perfect primer for Valentine's weekend. Now playing at the Planet Hollywood Resort after seven years at the Rio, the chaotic comedy has been a national hit for two decades. General admission: $89.99, which includes an Italian buffet, a glass of champagne and a piece of the wedding cake. The ceremony begins at 7 p.m. Reservations: 785-9030.

Sightings

Elton John, hosting a surprise birthday party at Rao's Italian Restaurant at Caesars Palace for his drummer, Nigel Olsson, who was presented with a cake featuring a replica of his bass drum. ... Actor Joe Pesci was in town over the weekend, huddled in "business" talks. ... "Desperate Housewives" star Eva Longoria and "Extra" host Mario Lopez, at the opening Wednesday of Ken Paves' Eleven Spa in Town Square. ... At LAX on Wednesday: members of the Harlem Globetrotters, Cleveland Browns linebacker Willie McGinest, NBA players Devin Harris of the New Jersey Nets, Richard Jefferson and Damon Jones of the Milwaukee Bucks, former Olympic sprinter Maurice Greene and former NFL player Jamie Sharper. ... At separate tables at CatHouse (Luxor) on Wednesday: Jason Giambi and Greene.

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